Lineup packed with stars lauds beloved isle drummer

A well-deserved surprise musical tribute luncheon for Harold Chang, 86, one of Hawaii's top drummers, was held Aug. 3 at the Musicians Association of Hawaii Local 677 facility. About 175 people — many of them musicians and singers, along with drummers he has taught — packed the place to honor Harold, who hasn't lost a beat. The Harry's Music Store employee still teaches and has band gigs.
It was up to trumpet man Stanton Haugen to get Harold to the party under the guise of using him for a gig. Harold was blown away when he walked in: "It was the biggest surprise of my life," he said. "I thought I was there for a gig, but then I saw all my old friends and students, my family from the Big Island and Maui and some old friends from the mainlandcome toward me with leis."

A well-deserved surprise musical tribute luncheon for Harold Chang, 86, one of Hawaii's top drummers, was held Aug. 3 at the Musicians Association of Hawaii Local 677 facility. About 175 people — many of them musicians and singers, along with drummers he has taught — packed the place to honor Harold, who hasn't lost a beat. The Harry's Music Store employee still teaches and has band gigs.

It was up to trumpet man Stanton Haugen to get Harold to the party under the guise of using him for a gig. Harold was blown away when he walked in: "It was the biggest surprise of my life," he said. "I thought I was there for a gig, but then I saw all my old friends and students, my family from the Big Island and Maui and some old friends from the mainlandcome toward me with leis." Login for more...